Page 34 of Wellspring

“Time and place, sweetheart. You name them and I’ll be there,” Cade said.

Tomorrow wouldn’t be too soon for Erick, but he didn’t suppose they could rely on Michele’s kindness to stand watch for them every night. “You would know better than I where might be safe. Perhaps Payne will schedule us both to herd duty on occasion.”

“Hey, none of that. It’s not a question of safety here at Wellspring.

” Cade bumped his shoulder against Erick’s.

“Only of whether we’ll be interrupted. We all walked in on Kit and Mac at one time or another before Payne moved them into the foreman’s cabin, and yeah, we gave them shit for it, but that’s all.

It’s more that it’s private. Hell, if we told the others we were going to the barn and to leave us alone, they would.

We’d just hear about it later. So when I said time and place, I meant it.

I want to be with you, even if that means putting up with their teasing. ”

Erick swallowed down the swell of emotion warming his chest. Cade’s acceptance, the acceptance of everyone at Wellspring, was everything he had scarcely allowed himself to dream he’d find when leaving his old life behind.

“I have always had to hide my desires,” Erick admitted.

“I had hoped to find more freedom in America, though it is still hard to trust I have found such tolerance. I fear I may be slow to overcome my instinct to concealment. But if the worst we have to endure is Burke’s comments, it is a small price to pay. ”

Cade pressed a kiss to Erick’s lips, the movement tugging the drying hairs on his belly.

“We should clean up before we head back. No need to give Burke any more ammunition. The stream shouldn’t be too cold—race you!

” Considering the unfair advantage Cade had by being on top, Erick allowed himself to enjoy the view of his magnificent buttocks before rising to join him.

They rinsed and slicked themselves dry as best they could before dressing. Erick picked up the unopened schoolbooks with one hand and, after only a moment’s hesitation, extended the other. Cade smiled and threaded their fingers together as they headed back toward the bunkhouse.

Michele met them at the head of the trail with a raised eyebrow when she saw their joined hands. “See, louveteau . I told you all would be well. Do not make me play matchmaker again. It doesn’t suit me.”

Cade shot Erick an affectionate smile. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

“I thank you for your assistance, Michele,” Erick added, though he didn’t release Cade’s hand. “You must let me know how I can repay you.”

“Just keep this one happy. It grows tiresome to listen to him whining.”

“I don’t whine!” Cade protested.

“But what if he doesn’t like me?” Michele said. “But what if he isn’t interested in me like that? But what if he just wants to be friends?”

“I didn’t say any of those things,” Cade objected.

“Perhaps not, but they were certainly implied in the things you did say,” Michele replied imperiously. She turned to Erick. “I trust he knows where he stands in your esteem now?”

“If he does not, it will be my mission to convince him,” Erick assured her.

They had reached the bunkhouse, and though Erick drew a steadying breath, he did not release Cade’s hand.

It was time to prove that the acceptance he’d been assured he would find among the hands was real.

Cade squeezed lightly, and Erick opened the door. What was the worst anyone could say?

“Hoss! And Wolfie! I didn’t think you had it in you.” Next to Erick, Cade glared at Burke and headed toward the table in the center of the room, not letting go of Erick’s hand. “Then again, neither one of you’s walking funny, so maybe you didn’t have it in you.”

“Ha ha, Burke. You’re so funny. What’s next? Going to ask for all the gory details? You’re just jealous because unlike some of us, you’re not getting any and have to get your jollies through those of us who are.”

Before Erick could say anything, another hand sat up from his bunk.

Matt Chiles, Erick thought his name was—he hadn’t had much interaction with him since he and Jesse Beaufort often rode the herd together.

“Hey now, can’t we just be happy for Cade and Erick?

I for one will be glad for anything that improves Cade’s mood.

” His wide smile took any sting from the words.

“Indeed,” Svensen boomed from across the bunkhouse, “any bond that ties us more deeply to one another must be celebrated, although I doubt Payne would appreciate us breaking out the whiskey when JR threatens. Still, we must encourage this new development.”

“I was just joking,” Burke grumbled. “They know that. Right, boys?”

Cade looked mutinous, but Erick set the books on the table and gave Burke a level stare.

“Perhaps you should reserve your attempts at humor for those who appreciate them. Though I am not certain whom those may be.” He gave Cade’s hand a final squeeze before releasing it to walk to his bunk.

“In any case, I must sleep. I have two more horses to finish training before Payne will allow me to ride with the herd.”

Erick stretched out on his mattress as Cade swaggered from the table to his own bunk, the sway of his hips bringing back the memory of Cade riding him.

He rested his hands behind his head and smiled.

While he was hesitant to believe what he and Cade had shared could grow into the relationship he dreamed of, at the moment he was quite satisfied.